The Red Bow Agricultural Partnership held its annual Ladies Livestock Lessons event on Friday, January 17th, welcoming 72 producers from surrounding municipalities including Clearwater County, Rocky View County, Grassland County, Kneehill County, Mountain View County, MD of Bighorn, MD of Ranchland, Red Deer County, Special Areas #2, Special Areas #3, Vulcan County, Wheatland County, and MD of Willow Creek.
This year’s event featured a diverse lineup of speakers offering valuable insights into agricultural practices and mental health awareness. Megan Evans of the Alberta Native Bee Council kicked off the presentations with a passionate talk on “The Role of Rangelands in Supporting Native Bees.” Evans encouraged ranchers and farmers to observe the bees in their pastures, highlighting the importance of these pollinators in our shared environment. She shared information about the lifecycle and roles of bees in pasture and forage lands, urging attendees to recognize the species’ significance to both land health and agriculture.
Following Evans, Emma Cross of the Do More Agriculture Foundation took the stage with a presentation on “Resilient Minds: Preserving Mental Health on the Farm.” Cross shared her personal struggles with leaving the farm and ultimately returning, touching on the emotional challenges of farm succession. She encouraged the audience to prioritize self-care, even when it means putting personal well-being above farm duties. “Take time for yourself, even if that can sometimes mean putting yourself above the farm,” she advised. Cross also emphasized the importance of discussing mental health with family and peers, drawing parallels between mental and physical health. She introduced the “Hay Are You Ok?” online self-assessment tool from the Do More Agriculture Foundation, a resource aimed at helping individuals evaluate their mental health.
After a catered lunch, attendees had the opportunity to select two out of three afternoon sessions. Jim Bauer of Anchor JB Ranch presented on “Tips and Tricks for Electric Fencing,” offering practical advice on the installation and maintenance of electric fencing for livestock. Jeff Anderson of Frostfree Nosepumps Ltd. and Marvin Jackson of Sundog Solar teamed up to present on “Alternative Watering Options for Livestock,” discussing innovative solutions for providing water to animals in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. Dr. Alessa Kuczewski of Cow/Calf Health & Management Solutions wrapped up the breakout sessions with a presentation on “The Madigan Squeeze for Calves,” explaining the benefits of this method for handling and managing calves more efficiently. 
The day concluded with a session from Dr. Brenda Ralston of Lakeland College, who presented on “Best Start – Neonatal Calf Management.” Dr. Ralston provided in-depth insights from several research projects conducted at Lakeland College, including a study on the prevalence and causes of itchy cattle, titled Scratching the Surface. She also discussed the Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effect of Extended-Term Delivery of Local Anesthetic on Mitigating Pain Caused by Castration, shedding light on new practices for improving the welfare of young cattle.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for networking, learning, and fostering discussion among producers.
